2019 NFL Draft: Guard Rankings

2018 Season Recap The 6-3 314 lb Chris Lindstrom can pass block, run block, and zone block effectively on the offensive line. Chris Lindstrom dominated the 2019 Senior Bowl establishing himself as the top right guard in the 2019 NFL Draft. He built on his momentum with a fantastic 2019 NFL Combine with 25 reps on the bench press and a 4.94 40-time while dominating in every drill at the 2019 NFL Combine except the kick slide drill.

Chris Lindstrom SWOT Report

Strengths: Chris Lindstrom is a natural pass blocker. He did not have a single sack allowed in 2018 and only 1 quarterback hurry allowed all season. His run blocking and zone blocking is superb as well. Pass blocking strength, run blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, and run blocking footwork checks out. High football IQ. Maintains blocks for 5-7 seconds which is what you want in an offensive lineman. Keeps his back straight Has long arms and ideal arm length for a starting guard. Has experience at right guard as well as right tackle.

Extremely durable. Durability is not an issue. Displays excellent leadership. Was a team captain in High School.

Weaknesses: Chris Lindstrom struggled with the kick slide drill which was something Nelson was good at. Also he does not do well with double teams. His knee bend also needs to improve, but he's a pretty complete guard for the most part.

Threats: There are no threats with Chris Lindstrom. He's not a blue chip left guard like Quenton Nelson. However, he's the only guard from this draft class that I can see becoming a Pro Bowl guard in an extremely thin guard class that is somehow deeper then last years class.

Potential Grade: 90/99

Before 2018

Chris Lindstrom has experience at right guard and right tackle. The four year starter at Boston College was a former team captain on his High School football team. Lindstrom's 2017 tape is very promising. With a big season, Lindstrom could surge his way up draft boards.

Beau Benzschawel, G, Wisconsin Projected Round 2nd Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-6 307 lb Beau Benzschawel can run block and zone block effectively on the offensive line. He anchors Wisconsin's stout offensive line in 2017 after aiding Ryan Ramczyk anchor this offensive line in 2016. Benzschawel has led Wisconsin to a 10-0 start with Wisconsin already clinching a spot in the 2017 Big 10 Championship thanks to his play at the right guard position.

Strengths: His run blocking and zone blocking is superb as well. Run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork checks out as well. High football IQ. Keeps his back straight. Shows proper knee bend. Has long arms and ideal arm length for a starting guard.

Weaknesses: Beau Benzschawel showed the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, and pass blocking footwork on tape in 2016 and 2017. He had a down year in 2018 in this area. He also struggled in this area at the 2019 Senior Bowl and the 2019 NFL Combine.

Threats: He is capable of maintaining blocks for 5-7 seconds. My biggest concern is can he play like that in the NFL on a consistent basis on Sunday's.

Potential Grade: 87/99

Before 2018

Beau Benzschawel played tight end and defensive end in High School at 4-3 left end. He redshirted as a freshman and Wisconsin moved him to right tackle due to injuries on their offensive line before kicking him inside to right guard. He's had success at right guard ever since. He anchored Wisconsin's stout offensive line in 2017 after aiding Ryan Ramczyk anchor this offensive line in 2016. Benzschawel has led Wisconsin to a 10-0 start with Wisconsin already clinching a spot in the 2017 Big 10 Championship thanks to his play at the right guard position.

Ben Powers, G, Oklahoma Projected Round 3rd Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-4 310 lb Ben Powers can pass block, run block, and zone block effectively on the offensive line. He did well at left guard with Kyler Murray this season. Powers did well at left guard in the 2019 Senior Bowl, and one could argue he's the best left guard in th 2019 NFL Draft despite the fact taht he did not work out at the 2019 NFL Combine.

Ben Powers SWOT Report

Strengths: Ben Powers may be the best pass blocker in this draft. His pass blocking, pass blocking strength, and pass blocking footwork checks out on tape. His run blocking is just as good as his pass blocking. The pass blocking footwork and run blocking footwork checks out. Keeps his back straight. Shows proper knee bend. Has long arms and ideal arm length for a starting guard.

Extremely durable. Durability is not an issue. Displays excellent leadership. Gets to the second level. Knows how to utilize leverage and pinpoint leverage points on tape. Does an exceptional job mentally processing information.

Weaknesses: Struggled on tape versus Alabama. A pure left guard. Struggles with zone blocking. Doesn't have the best athleticism for an offensive lineman despite having good pass blocking footwork and run blocking footwork.

Threats: There are no threats with Ben Powers. He looks like someone who could be a solid starter at left guard in the NFL.

Potential Grade: 86/99

Before 2018

Ben Powers was a quality left guard under Baker Mayfield for two seasons at Oklahoma in 2016 and 2017. What he does with Kyler Murray in 2018 will reveal a lot about him.

Dru Samia, G, Oklahoma Projected Round 3rd Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-5 304 lb Dru Samia can pass block, run block, and zone block effectively on the offensive line. He did well at left guard with Kyler Murray this season. Samia showed the versatility to play left guard and right guard at the 2019 Senior Bowl.

Dru Samia SWOT Report

Strengths: Dru Samia has the pass blocking and pass blocking strength. His run blocking, run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork checks out. He has great zone blocking as well as the versatility to play left guard or right guard.

Extremely durable. Durability is not an issue. Displays excellent leadership. Gets to the second level. Has a tremendous work ethic.

Threats: There are no threats with Dru Samia. He looks like someone who could be a solid starter at guard in the NFL. I'd argue he's a bigger project then Powers even though you could also he has a higher ceiling due to his versatility and athleticism advantage over Powers.

Potential Grade: 86/99

Before 2018

Dru Samia began his career at right tackle. Eventually, he kicked inside to guard and did better there. Dru Samia could shoot up draft boards with a big season in 2018.

Connor McGovern, G, Penn State Projected Round 3rd Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-5 308 lb Connor McGovern can pass block, run block, and zone block effectively on the offensive line. McGovern moved from center to right guard in 2018.

Connor McGovern SWOT Report

Strengths: Connor McGovern is good at pass blocking, run blocking, and zone blocking. Is a mammoth with elite run blocking strength. Is versatile enough to play center and right guard. Displays ideal functional athleticism for an interior offensive lineman.

Weaknesses: Possesses very heavy feet. Has a very limited football IQ.

Threats: There are no threats with Connor McGovern. He has the ability to be an above average starter on an interior offensive line.

Potential Grade: 86/99

Before 2018

Connor McGovern played center at Penn State the last two seasons. It will be interesting to see how he transitions to right guard in 2018.

Alex Bars, G, Notre Dame Projected Round 4th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-6 312 lb Alex Bars can pass block, run block, and zone block effectively on the offensive line. He is versatile enough to play left guard or right guard in the NFL. He also practiced at center so he may be versatile enough to play all three positions on the interior offensive line even though he projects to guard at the next level.

Alex Bars made the transition from right guard to left guard after the departure of Quenton Nelson. Bars started the first five games for Notre Dame in 2018. Bars was on his way to being a potential first round prospect before his season ending injury. Bars injury kept him from performing at the 2019 NFL Combine.

Alex Bars SWOT Report

Strengths: Alex Bars is good at pass blocking, run blocking, and zone blocking. He's versatile enough to play left guard, center, right guard, and right tackle in the NFL. You have to love his technique as far as blocking along with the variety of blocking he provides for your football team. The pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run bocking strength, and run blocking footwork is all there with Alex Bars.

Weaknesses: Projects best as a guard in the NFL due to a lack of foot speed. His inconsistent technique and his lack of hand placement are issues. His lack of punch on blocks is also something Bars needs to improve in.

Opportunities: I got a fourth round grade on Alex Bars. If Alex Bars didn't have so many durability concerns you could argue he's a first round talent.

Threats: Alex Bars suffered a season ending injury in 2015 and in 2018. The durability concerns with Alex Bars are my biggest fear with Notre Dame's guard in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2018

Alex Bars played right tackle at first before converting to right guard. Alex Bars is moving to left guard with Quenton Nelson moving to the NFL.

Michael Deiter, G, Wisconsin Projected Round 4th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-5 304 lb Michael Deiter can run block and zone block effectively on the offensive line. Deiter has experience at left tackle, left guard, and center. Deiter did awful in the 2019 Senior Bowl and did not fare any better in the 2019 NFL Combine despite having quality tape in 2018.

Michael Deiter SWOT Report

Strengths: His run blocking and zone blocking is superb as well. Run blocking strength, and run blocking footwork checks out as well. High football IQ. Keeps his back straight. Shows proper knee bend.

Weaknesses: Pass blocking, pass blocking strength, and pass blocking footwork needs to improve. Mainly a run blocking guard. Lacks the foot speed or fluidity to hold up in space. He struggles to adjust to counter moves mainly due to his wide base.

Opportunities: I have a fourth round grade on Michael Deiter. He may get picked as early as day 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft though.

Threats: Struggles to change direction despite his durability. This is one reason why Deiter may be a career backup even though he has the ceiling to be a starter.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2018

Michael Deiter has experience at left tackle, left guard, and center. That's one reason why Deiter.

B.J. Autry, G, Jacksonville State Projected Round 4th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-3 351 lb B.J. Autry has long arms and knows how to maintain blocks for 5-7 seconds in pass protection.

B.J. Autry SWOT Report

Strengths: B.J. Autry is a superb pass blocker. He has the pass blocking strength as well as the pass blocking footwork you want. He can maintain blocks for 5-7 seconds in pass protection despite his massive frame. He also does well with run blocking and displays ideal run blocking strength.

Weaknesses: His heavy feet make run blocking footwork an issue. He also lacks the ability to be a zone blocker as he is a pure left guard.

Opportunities: I have a fourth round grade on B.J. Autry. He played well enough in Mobile to warrant a third round grade though.

Threats: B.J. Autry is a former Baylor transfer. He also did not receive an invite to the 2019 NFL Combine.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2018

B.J. Autry is a former Baylor player. He transferred to Jacksonville State in hopes of having a strong senior season in 2018.

Darryl Williams, G, Mississippi State Projected Round 4th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-2 310 lb Darryl Williams can pass block, run block, and zone block effectively on the offensive line. He is versatile enough to play left guard or right guard.

Darryl Williams SWOT Report

Strengths: Darryl Williams is good at pass blocking, run blocking, and zone blocking. I love his technique and durability. His pass blocking footwork and run blocking footwork is outstanding as well.

Weaknesses: Lacks great length and size. Does not possess pass blocking strength or run blocking strength to maintain blocks for 5-7 seconds, but can be a constant blocker for 3-5 seconds. Bigger defenders will be able to outperform him. He struggles with mirroring opponents mainly due to his stiff hips.

Opportunities: I have a fourth round grade on Darryl Williams. This is a player who did not perform in the 2019 Senior Bowl or the 2019 NFL Combine.

Threats: There are no threats with Darryl Williams. Just a limited ceiling. He projects as a borderline guard in the NFL.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2018

Darryl Williams redshirted in 2015. He's got two years of experience as a starter with the versatility to play both right guard and left guard. Williams played right guard in 2016 before moving to left guard full time in 2017.

Kevin Pendleton, G, Missouri Projected Round 5th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-4 330 lb Kevin Pendleton did better on tape versus Alabama then his right tackle teammate Paul Adams. Pendleton was able to maintain blocks for 5-7 seconds verus Alabama 3-4 defensive ends Raekwon Davis and Isaiah Buggs. Penldeton did better versus Alabama then either one of the Oklahoma guards. At the same time, Pendleton did not get an invite to the 2019 Senior Bowl or the 2019 NFL Combine.

Kevin Pendleton SWOT Report

Strengths: Kevin Pendleton has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, and pass blocking footwork to be a starting left guard in the NFL. Maintains blocks for 5-7 seconds.

Weaknesses: Terrible run blocker. Lacks the run blocking strength and run blocking footwork. Also struggles with zone blocking.

Opportunities: I have a fifth round grade on Kevin Pendleton. If he had more exposure, I'd probably give him a second to third round grade..

Threats: There are no threats with Kevin Pendleton. Just a limited ceiling. He projects as a borderline starter.

Potential Grade: 85/99

Before 2018

Kevin Pendleton redshirted in 2014. He started 3 games in 2015 before beoming a full time starter at left guard during his sophomore redshirt year in 2016. He's started the past three seasons as Missouri's left guard.

Lester Cotton, G, Alabama Projected Round 5th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-4 324 lb Lester Cotton has experience at let guard and right guard. Lester Cotton is someone who could be a potential starter on day 3 of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Lester Cotton SWOT Report

Strengths: Lester Cotton has the run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and zone blocking to succeed.

Opportunities: Demetrius Knox is a sixth round pick. He didn't go to the 2019 Senior Bowl or the 2019 NFL Combine so he's a late round pick at best. He may go in the seventh round or get undrafted all together.

Threats: My biggest concern with Knox is his heavy feet. His heavy feet cause him to take bad angles and lose balance when blocking at times. He knows how to get his hands on a defender, but he doesn't engage with interior defensive linemen enough. He's a late round pick at best who projects as a career backup. Knox also has some durability concerns earlier in his career.

Potential Grade: 78/99

Before 2018

Demetrius Knox helped Ohio State as a starter in 2014 during the 2014 College Football Playoff, but redshirted for most of the season. He dealt with injuries in 2015 and 2016. He was completely healthy in 2017. How healthy he is in 2018 will say a lot.

Garrett Brumfield, G, LSU Projected Round 6th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-4 303 lb Garrett Brumfield has the versatility to play left guard or right guard. He has more experience on LSU's offensive line as a left guard.

Garrett Brumfield SWOT Report

Strengths: Has the pass blocking and run blocking that you look for in a guard. Showed good pass blocking strength agaisnt Auburn's defensive tackles.

Weaknesses: Struggles in zone blocking. Had some good and bad reps against Auburn. His pass blocking footwork and run blocking footwork is pedestrian.

Opportunities: I have a sixth round grade on Garrett Brumfield. He did not work out at the 2019 Senior Bowl or the 2019 NFL Combine. He may go undrafted.

Threats: There are no threats with Garrett Brumfield. He got knocked down like Will Clapp, but looks stronger on tape.

Potential Grade: 77/99

Before 2018

Garrett Brumfield redshirted in 2014. He has 36 career starts under his belt heading into 2018.

Larry Allen Jr., G, Harvard Projected Round 7th Round

2018 Season Recap The 6-4 285 lb Larry Allen Jr. has the versatility to play left guard and right guard. He may be this years Ivy League prospect that gets drafted late in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Larry Allen Jr. SWOT Report

Strengths: Larry Allen Jr. can pass block, run block, and zone block. Versatile enough to play left guard or right guard. Displays great run blocking strength.

Extremely durable. Durability is not an issue.

Weaknesses: Larry Allen Jr. lacks the size, pass blocking strength, and zone blocking. While his father Larry Allen excelled in these categories, his son is just not the same breed of man his father was.

Opportunities: Larry Allen Jr. is a guy I have a seventh round grade on. Odds are he goes undrafted.

Threats: He majored in Bioengineering so he should have a good career in that if he doesn't hear his name called. I think it would be cool to see someone take him late in the draft though.

Potential Grade: 71/99

Before 2018

Larry Allen Jr. began his career at right guard. He moved over to left guard in 2017 though and did well there too.